Saturday night
“Oh my god, these heels do not feel good on my feet!” I grimaced as I tried to take a step. “I think I need to wear mine—your foot is way too small.”
“No, you just never wear them, so you’re not used to it.” Lola laughed and shook her head. “We’re the same size.”
“My heels don’t feel like I’m stuck in a fucking vise.” I grimaced again as I took a second step.
“They also flap on your foot like a flip-flop.” Lola walked over and adjusted a strand of hair that had fallen into my face.
“Hopefully I don’t fall on my face before the night is over.” I forced a smile and turned to look at myself in the mirror.
“You won’t—I hope.” She winked at me in the mirror. “Seriously though, you look beautiful. It’s going to be a good night.”
“I’m nervous.” I turned towards her. “It doesn’t help that I’ve had several days to dwell on it.”
“At least you don’t have to wait another week like I do. I’m not going to get to go out with Adam until next weekend.” She sighed. “Hopefully he won’t get called in before dessert.”
“Well if my date goes badly, you can help me drown my sorrows with wine—I’ll do the same for you next weekend if it doesn’t work out with Mr. Doctor.” I smiled and nodded.
“You? Drunk?” She chuckled. “I might have a bad date now just to see that.”
“No you won’t—watching me get drunk off one glass of wine ain’t worth the rest of your life.” I walked over and picked up my purse. “Okay, wish me luck.”
“I think I’m supposed to say break a leg or something—but you actually might do that, so—good luck.” She grinned and walked with me to the door.
I was beyond nervous as I walked down the hallway and hit the button to call for the elevator. Grace set up a date for us at The Hawthorne, which was one of the fanciest restaurants in St. Louis. I felt poor just driving past the place, but she said it was where Cain wanted to take me. I really did hope it was going to be a good date. I had been thinking about Cain a lot since we made plans for our first date, and despite all of my previous hesitation, I really did want to see if there was anything between us. It might be my only chance to find someone who truly understood what I had gone through and didn’t think I was crazy for letting bad experiences from my past ruin my future.
Okay, here goes nothing.
I drove up to the front of The Hawthorne and turned over my car to the valet. It was probably going to be the ugliest one in the lot but parking it myself wasn’t an option unless I wanted to walk several blocks in murder-heels. It was getting easier to find my footing in them, but I still felt like there was a good chance I could fall on my face at any second.
“Hi, my name is Chloe West. I’m supposed to meet a Mr. Cain Stevenson?” I walked up to maitre d’ as soon as I stepped into the restaurant.
“Ah yes, your date was set up byWhat the Heart Wants.” He nodded. “Follow me, Mr. Stevenson is already here.”
“Okay.” I swallowed hard and balanced myself on my heels as I started to follow him.
He led me to the back of the restaurant and then I saw Cain for the very first time. He looked just like his picture—but it didn’t do him justice. He stood as I approached and I felt my stomach churning. He wasn’t just attractive. He was hot! So freaking hot that my jaw nearly fell open. He was at least six foot five with broad shoulders and a wide chest. He was wearing a suit, but the sleeves were tight enough for me to almost see the outline of his muscular arms pressed against the fabric. I could see a hint of ink along the bottom of each sleeve which were definitely hiding some tattoos. His beard was dark black, with a hint of salt-and-pepper, but it was neatly trimmed. His eyes were almost the color of obsidian and when they locked on me, his stare was enough to make me almost melt into the floor.
Holy shit. He looks like he should be sitting across the table from a successful actress or a model, not some Plain-Jane who just graduated college.
“Chloe.” He walked closer as I approached. “You look ravishing.”
“You—don’t look so bad yourself.” I nearly stumbled over my words, and then realized they weren’t as eloquent as his.
“The waiter will be over shortly.” The maitre d’ tried to get my chair, but Cain beat him to it and pulled it out for me.
“Wow, this place is something else.” I looked around the room, finally taking in the sights. “All of these people look like they’re rich and beautiful.”
“Not half as beautiful as you.” He smiled and sat down. “And money is worthless once you have enough to get by.”
“Perhaps…” I nodded. “I won’t know about that until I find a job.”
“Still not having any luck?” He titled his head to the side.
“No. I have applied everywhere that I can think of, but I’m not even getting a call back.” I sighed. “I guess I should have picked a different major.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something.” He turned his head as the waiter approached.
